Test Code ORXNA Orexin-A/Hypocretin-1, Spinal Fluid
Reporting Name
Orexin-A/Hypocretin-1, CSFPerforming Laboratory

Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis and differentiation of type 1 narcolepsy from other causes of hypersomnolence
This assay is not intended for use as a screening test.
Method Name
Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
Ordering Guidance
Orexin-A (hypocretin-1) deficiency is the hallmark of narcolepsy type 1. The diagnostic criteria for type 1 narcolepsy include the presence of cataplexy and/or measured cerebrospinal fluid orexin-A/hypocretin-1 concentrations less than or equal to 110 pg/mL. Alternative testing for narcolepsy type 1 includes mean latency of 8 minutes in the clinical multiple sleep latency test, with evidence of sleep-onset rapid eye movement periods and cataplexy.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Patient should not have recently received radioisotopes, either therapeutically or diagnostically, due to potential assay interference.
Collection Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Submission Container/Tube: Plain vial with no additives
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Pediatric Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Obtain aliquot from second collection vial (preferred, not required).
2. Hemolyzed specimens will give false-positive results. Specimens should be centrifuged to remove any red cells prior to shipping.
Specimen Type
CSFSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
CSF | Frozen (preferred) | 120 days |
Refrigerated | 7 days | |
Ambient | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Reference Values
Normal individuals: >200 pg/mL
Previous literature has defined cerebrospinal fluid orexin-A/hypocretin-1 concentrations of 110 pg/mL or below as being consistent with narcolepsy type 1-(Mignot E. Arch Neurol. 2002:59;1553-1562). Concentrations between 111 pg/mL and 200 pg/mL are considered intermediate and have limited diagnostic utility for narcolepsy, as they may be representative of other neurological disorders. Concentrations above 200 pg/mL are considered normal.
Interpretation
The diagnostic criteria for type 1 narcolepsy in the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (3) include the presence of hypersomnia, cataplexy (episodes of muscle weakness in response to emotional stimuli) and measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) orexin (hypocretin-1) concentrations less than or equal to 110 pg/mL.
Orexin (hypocretin-1) CSF concentrations have been classified into 3 categories in the literature. They include low (≤110 pg/mL), which is indicative of type 1 narcolepsy; intermediate (ranges between 111-200 pg/mL); and normal (>200 pg/mL). Previous studies have shown that 106 of 113 patients with clinically defined type 1 narcolepsy exhibited low (<110 pg/mL) orexin concentrations. In another study, all 48 healthy individuals exhibited orexin (hypocretin-1) CSF concentrations above 200 pg/mL.
Day(s) Performed
Twice monthly (Second and fourth Monday)
Report Available
3 to 32 daysTest Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83519
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
ORXNA | Orexin-A/Hypocretin-1, CSF | 91670-0 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
604230 | Orexin-A/Hypocretin-1, CSF | 91670-0 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request (T732) with the specimen.